I Sing The Body Electric Sparknotes
Kitam Jubran
English 16
Professor Julie Bolt
March 15, 2018
Walt Whitman “I Sing the Body Electric” In “I Sing the Body Electric” Walt Whitman explores the physicality of the human body as well as the essence of the soul, and the connection between the body and soul. Whitman addresses many topics showing that all humans, whether male, female or enslaved have something in common: bodies and souls and that all human bodies are equal, sacred and should be treated so; he proved this by describing the beauty of the male and female body, giving a detailed description of the aspects and means of the human body and soul, and showed that enslaved people also shared the same aspects of the soul and body parts as humans.
“And if the body does not fully …show more content…
Whitman starts of the seventh stanza with the verse, “A man’s body at auction, I help the auctioneer the sloven does not half know his business.” Whitman shows how people ignored the soul’s connection with the body when it came to slaves. Whitman ‘helps’ the auctioneer, shame the bidders, and denounce slavery all at the same time. He described the body parts of the enslaved man as strong and having great senses. “Within there runs blood, The same old blood! The same red-running blood! “Whitman is emphasizing that all humans, regardless of race have "the same red-running blood" running through their veins, therefore there shouldn’t be any inequalities towards the treatment of the human body. Further describing the enslaved peoples bodies as "...wonders within there yet...” Ultimately, he makes readers realize that enslaved people are important and that they can have children just like people, and their children could possibly become great leaders , revolutionizes or geniuses. He asks, "How do you know who shall come from the offspring of his offspring through the
English 16
Professor Julie Bolt
March 15, 2018
Walt Whitman “I Sing the Body Electric” In “I Sing the Body Electric” Walt Whitman explores the physicality of the human body as well as the essence of the soul, and the connection between the body and soul. Whitman addresses many topics showing that all humans, whether male, female or enslaved have something in common: bodies and souls and that all human bodies are equal, sacred and should be treated so; he proved this by describing the beauty of the male and female body, giving a detailed description of the aspects and means of the human body and soul, and showed that enslaved people also shared the same aspects of the soul and body parts as humans.
“And if the body does not fully …show more content…
Whitman starts of the seventh stanza with the verse, “A man’s body at auction, I help the auctioneer the sloven does not half know his business.” Whitman shows how people ignored the soul’s connection with the body when it came to slaves. Whitman ‘helps’ the auctioneer, shame the bidders, and denounce slavery all at the same time. He described the body parts of the enslaved man as strong and having great senses. “Within there runs blood, The same old blood! The same red-running blood! “Whitman is emphasizing that all humans, regardless of race have "the same red-running blood" running through their veins, therefore there shouldn’t be any inequalities towards the treatment of the human body. Further describing the enslaved peoples bodies as "...wonders within there yet...” Ultimately, he makes readers realize that enslaved people are important and that they can have children just like people, and their children could possibly become great leaders , revolutionizes or geniuses. He asks, "How do you know who shall come from the offspring of his offspring through the